A Book Day

September 6 is National Read A Book Day!

When we say 'read', we mean:

Paperback

Ebook

Magazine

Newspaper

Audiobook listen

Hardcover

Hand-me-down

Cassette tape

A book you own

A book you've borrowed

A re-read

Read or listen to a story read out loud

📚 📚 📚

🐦‍⬛ 🐦‍⬛ 🐦‍⬛

Screen Time

Walkin' and Readin' Wednesday!

How' bout some new-to-me window kitties, all photographed on the same neighborhood walk?

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Recent audiobooks:

The Killer and Frank Lloyd Wright: The True Story of Mass Murder in Paradise

Author: Casey Sherman

Narrator: Justin Price

Published: June 9, 2026

Non-fiction investigation of the wives and significant companions of the famous American architect; the title is a bit over the top, but the greatest love of his life was murdered.

The Devil in the Details: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery Book #11

Author: Vicki Delany

Narrator: Kim Hicks

Published: January 6, 2026

Gemma Doyle's friends are in trouble, and her best-friend's wedding is in jeopardy.  She is going to crack the case despite her detective boyfriend's plea for her to stay out of it.  A cozy mystery, and Sherlock Holmes's presence is everywhere in West Long, Massachusetts.

The Last Days of Kira Mullan, Maud O’Connor Mysteries Book #2

Author: Nicci French

Narrator: Sophie Roberts

Published: April 2, 2024

Whoa, did not see that coming!  When Kira's body is discovered, neighbor Nancy begins a spiral of emotional turmoil, yet she feels that Kira's death wasn't self-inflicted.  Her partner and other residents tell the police to ignore Nancy, since she's got mental health issues, yet Detective Inspector Maud's own intuition tells her to pursue, while her department pushes against her actions. 

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Providing A Service

It's Twozday, and Da Boyz have found their cold-weather napping locations:

Manny, on the pink-blue chair, in a sunpuddle.

On MY CHAIR, inelegantly sprawled.

Manny, getting smoochies.

Manny, top, and Chili, bottom, in the huge cat beddy in the parlor.

 Once I've got a fresh cut of hot tea, my audiobook, and an empty bladder, Da Boyz and I can spend hours together in MY CHAIR.

They snooze, as I while away my time as their human cat bed with a book and phone solitaire, or scroll social media, watching videos of thatched roofers, furniture and painting restorations, rock collectors, cat rescues all over the world, and bagpipe music.

Oh, it's heavenly!!!

💤 💤 💤 

Call Me Cheap

Am so very thankful for access to my library card.

If I had to buy every book, I'd have no money.

The library allows me to read an ebook or a 'real' book, and to listen to audiobooks.

Some of the titles that I've enjoyed recently:

Joy Ellis: "Echoes On The Fens", book #15 in the DI Nikki Galena series, police procedurals in Lincolnshire.

Kelley Armstrong: "Cold As Hell", book #3 in the Havens Rock series, a secluded and exclusive town in the wilds of Yukon, Canada.

K. L. Armstrong: "Every Step She Takes", a thriller that moves from Rome to New York, with twists and turns when a past social media fiasco is splashed across the news again, with a very different ending.

Mason Cole: "William", artificial intelligence in ways you've never thought about, and they will scare you to death, with a complete surprise ending.

Dana Thomas: "Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes" is an overview of worldwide clothing manufacturing, the pollution caused by dyes, fabrics, the sweatshop mentality in all parts of the world, and those entrepreneurs who are rethinking the process to make clothing humans sustainable, healthy, economically viable, and aid a societal uptick in recycling, minimal waste, and healthy environments for workers and buyers.

Gillian McAllister: "Famous Last Words", a novel in which a London-based writer ends up in a hostage situation at the office building where he rents an office, but he's the one holding the gun. 

Let's Hop!

To Buy, To Read, To Listen

September 6 was National Read a Book Day 📚

📚 September 7 is National Buy a Book Day

Don't you think that should be reversed?

Buy a book, and THEN read it..!?!

Unless you are like me (and in honor of September is National Library Card Sign-up Month), and borrow most of your reading material from the library, buying is a rather big deal.

I have stacks of books next to my bed...gathering dust...while I gleefully listen to audiobooks and ebooks downloaded to my phone, and at least once a month I check out a book at the library, then sit down and read it in one go without leaving the building. 

Which is why I hesitate to purchase another book; seems wasteful to buy them, then let them sit.

My sister tells me that I need to support authors and bookstores and BUY MORE BOOKS!

I've just purchased an audiobook; does that count, sis?

Audiobook I am currently listening to:

-Secrets of the Lost Ledgers by C. J. Archer: Book #5 in the Glass Library Series

Next audiobooks queued:

-What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust by Alan Bradley: Book #11 in the Flavia de Luce Series
-A Swarm of Butterflies by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett: Book #6 in the Dr. Nell Ward Mysteries
-Vows & Ruins by Helen Scheuerer: Book #2 in the Legends of Thezmarr Series
-Viciously Yours by Jamie Applegate Hunter: Book #1 in the Fae Kings of Eden Series

Actual books that I have that I REALLY REALLY want to read, when I get time:

-Inductions Dangerous by John Bellen (I Have Three Cats Blog)
-Hidden in Blood, Place of Temptation, and Lake of Tears by Bilinda P. Sheehan, Books #5, 6, 7 in Hariet Quinn Series
...and many more!

For a bookish Caturday, here is Celestial Sweetie, with my stack of to-be-read books in the background.

Click on the image to enjoy a jigsaw puzzle.

Let's Hop!

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FRIYAY!

For us working stiffs, Fridays are beautiful things:

AHHH!!!!

Me: "I've got my audiobook, my cup of tea, and am going to sink into my chair..."

Da Boyz: "HA!  Our chair, thankuverramuch."

Me: *sigh*

The Hubby: "Come over here, and eat watermelon at the table."

Me: *tea and phone abandoned, slurping noises ensue.*

Me: AHHH!!!!

*Da Boyz and The Hubby look on in astonishment.*

🍉😹🍉

 

I Read Like It's My Job

I love to read and to listen to audiobooks.

Am so very thankful for the public library, otherwise I'd have to get a second job to fund my reading habit.

Some books that I've enjoyed recently:

Ray Clark's DI Gardener Series, Books #1 to #6 (#7 to #11 are not yet available at the library)

Kelley Armstrong's "Finding Mr. Write"

Ron Chernow's "Alexander Hamilton"

Andrew Cartmel's "Death in Fine Condition", Book #1 in his The Paperback Sleuth Series

M. A. Frick's Fate Unraveled Trilogy

Fez Inkwright's "Botanical Curses and Poisons"

Nicci French's "Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter?"

J. Bree's The Bonds That Tie Series

Give me a good mystery, whether it's a police procedural from the UK, a fae princess defending her kingdom, thrillers, wizards fighting crime, true crime, dragon-riding soldiers fighting dark forces, or magical cats who catch the baddie!

Let's Hop!

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❤️BOOKS❤️

 9 August is Book Lovers Day!

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Observed to encourage bibliophiles (a person who collects or has a great love of books).

Some can debate on whether listening to audiobooks 'counts' as reading, yet I listen to narrated books for hours EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

I listen while:

 Driving in the car (bluetooth to car speakers)

Taking a bath

Watching something on television that The Hubby chose (dullsville!)

Tending cat litter boxes

Trying to solve sudoku puzzles

Playing online jigsaw puzzles

Being a human cat bed

~AND~

*whispers*

Slogging away on office spreadsheets

Remember!

You do NOT HAVE TO SPEND ANY MONEY to read a book!

Simply visit your local library, either in person or online.

There are books of all stripes available, in traditional form, as ebooks, as audiobooks, or as graphic novels.

There are apps to load to phones, or other reading devices.

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National Read Across America Day

To create and celebrate a nation of diverse readers.

Stuff to read:

Newspapers

Comic Books

Ebooks

Graphic Novels

Newsletters

Audiobooks

Dictionaries

Romance Novels

Biographies

DIY Manuals

The book you found at the barbershop

Cookbooks

Horror

Cozy Mysteries

💛📚💙📚💚📚💜

#NationalAuthor’sDay

 November 1 is National Authors Day!

I primarily listen to audiobooks downloaded to my phone, and with speed set at 1.3x (I also am a speed-reader, something I was taught while a youngster in school), I listen while doing many other things all day long.

Some of my favorite authors, in no particular order, with links:

Laurie R. King

Robert Galbraith

C. S. Harris

Elly Griffiths

Diana Gabaldon

Nick Louth

Jim Butcher

Anthony Horowitz

Deanna Raybourn

Kelley Armstrong

Sabrina Flynn

My current 'want to read' list has 569 books, which does NOT include all the books in an author's series; just the first.

I am a member of several book groups on Facebook, and a question I ask people is, "What are you reading?"

I use Goodreads to keep track of everything, and have access to a handful of libraries AND a Audible account to feed my reading habit.

I am a reading addict; there, I've typed it!

Authors are amazing people; they create new worlds, characters, and emotions in their heads, then are able to publish these stories for the public's enjoyment.  

The above images were found on social media, and included purely for the enjoyment of our readers.

So, what are you reading?

Tell us in the comments!

August 9: Book Lover's Day

Image found on the interwebs

Bibliophiles, UNITE!

Today, we celebrate books and reading!

Image found on the interwebs 

A terrific quote, dontcha think?

Image from Society6 by Louis Wain

During this lockdown, I've found it difficult to read; my mind wanders easily, and there are so many distractions from the news.

I discovered that rereading a book series that I'd once enjoyed was just the ticket!

Comfort reading?!?

Since mid-March, I've read and listened to audiobooks for:

Laurie R. King: Sherlock Holmes/Mary Russell series

Ben Aaronovitch: The Peter Grant series

Jim Butcher: The Dresden Files series

Alan Bradley: Flavia De Luce series

Richard Castle: Nikki Heat series

Kelley Armstrong: Rockton series

Shirley Rousseau Murphy: Joe Grey series

Catherine Coulter: A Brit in the FBI series

Thankfully, when the library building was closed, I was able to check out ebooks and audiobooks via phone apps.

Now the library is open, and I've enjoyed reconnecting with my favorite librarians and staff.

In addition, I volunteered with a group to help convince voters to pass a millage for our local library.

I put up yards signs, attended Zoom meetings, and hung door hangers with a handful of other local library enthusiasts.

Image from "Vote Yes for Mt. Clemens Library" FB page

Image from "Vote Yes for Mt. Clemens Library" FB page

And the millage passed, by a good margin!

Our 1969 library is going to get new HVAC, lighting, and electrical systems.

New meeting rooms, new children's area, new furniture, and computers and genealogical set-ups.

Yes, I am an avid book lover!

And yet...

Mother Nature soothes the soul.

Being outdoors while listening to the birds, watching the squirrels and butterflies, and simply breathing; this too has helped me negotiate these unusual times.

Jigsaw Puzzle

Pic taken at Kensington MetroPark, where The Hubby and I enjoyed an excursion this Friday.
I used my Prima app to play with the colors.

Thankful Thursday

A day early...

Free image from Dreamstime website

February 14 is Library Lovers' Day!

A list of my favorite libraries:

Mount Clemens Public Library
Troy Public Library
Blair Memorial Library in Clawson, Michigan
Berkley Public Library
Royal Oak Public Library
Clinton-Macomb Public Library

and...

Michigan eLibrary

I LURV the library!
Any library, but my own in Mount Clemens has my librarian friends who know that every book that I order is a cat book. 😽

Through the library, I check out books, audiobooks, movies on DVD, and music.

I check out items from all of the libraries in the county, and they are delivered to my home library for pick up.

I check out items from the ENTIRE STATE using MeL (Michigan eLibrary), and they are delivered to my home library for pick up.

I have an app on my iPhone, where I can check out library ebooks and audiobooks.

Truly, my life changed when I discovered library audiobooks, which I listen to during my daily commute.

So thankful for LIBRARIES!!!💓

Let's Hop!

Does The Dog Die?

Friends, I've just discovered this fascinating website: https://www.doesthedogdie.com/.

I've been heartbroken when reading a book, only to discover some unsavory thing happen, that made me angry, sad, or some variation of upset.  Often, it's due to violence toward animals, but it can be other things.

Of course, I know that I'm reading a story, but why read stuff that makes me upset?  This website will save me from this problem in the future!  Type in the title of the book...or movie...and you'll find out what issues may come up!

Image from Does The Dog Die? website

I am a serious reader: I've already got 156 books under my belt this year (per my Goodreads account).  The majority are audiobooks, since I have a longish commute daily, plus I listen when on my evening neighborhood walk.  But dang it all, I get sick to my stomach when an author uses violence or other nasty thing that doesn't really help the story.  So, now I have Does The Dog Die? to help me choose what I want to read!

Disclaimer: I have not received any compensation from Does The Dog Die? website for this post.  I write about things that interest me, and that I believe will interest our readers, and I give my honest opinions.  

Book Report: Something Worth Saving

Something Worth Saving
Author: Sandi Ward
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Kensington (December 18, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1496711130
ISBN-13: 978-1496711137

Audiobook Cover

Lily is a kitty who walks with a limp.  Her sweet boy Charlie loves her to pieces, as do the rest of the family.  But Dad has moved out, and Mom is trying to keep her children in line.  Older son Kevin and daughter Victoria have so many interests of their own.  But Charlie has bruises on his body, and Lily wants to know who is hurting him.  As the story unfolds, this book covers some amazing territory, and all is handled with care and understanding.  Drug addiction is bad, but how did a person get that way?  Teenage love can be fleeting, or can it stand the test of time?  If a boy wants to act like a girl one day, and a boy another, who has the right to say otherwise?  Guns and violence; do children really understand?  Can an adult fall in love with a whole family...or with their limping kitty?

An excellent read...or, listen, as in my case.  I stumbled upon this book while looking for another, and am so very glad that I chose it, and I hope you'll agree with me.

***

Book Review: Homer's Odyssey

Homer's Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale, or How I Learned About Love and Life

with a Blind Wonder Cat

Author: Gwen Cooper

Release Date: August 25, 2009

Penguin Random House Audio

Narrated by Renée Raudman

How many times have I read and reread this remarkable story?  At least a handful of times...maybe even a dozen!  It doesn't get old, and the emotions are as fresh as the first time.

This occasion, however, I listened to the audiobook, and was surprised by a long conversation at the end, between Gwen and her husband.  Obviously recorded before Homer passed in 2013, the engaging way the two of them banter about Homer, and their other two cats at the time, Scarlet and Vashti, is wonderfully intimate and delightful. 

I consider "Homer's Odyssey" a MUST READ book for anyone, least of all for cat-lovers and dog-lovers (yes, there are dog's too!).  Home's tale takes us from Florida to New York, through unemployment and marriage, to the events on 9/11/01 and beyond the normal bonds of friendship, love, and pet-ownership (if there is really such a thing!). 

Gwen Cooper has recently issued new stories, available only online.  Although I've purchased a subscription, I haven't yet read any, so I will report on them in a future post.

Unexpected Cats In Books

These two books couldn't be more different from each other!  Yet, cats are a binding factor in each of them; their feline wiles twist and snake around the storylines, to become an important parts of the plots!

A Dog's Way Home

Author: W. Bruce Cameron
Hardcover, 336 pages
Published May 9th 2017 by Forge
ISBN 076537465X (ISBN13: 9780765374653)

A Week in Winter

Author: Maeve Binchy
Hardcover, 464 pages
Published October 11th 2012 by Orion
ISBN 140911399X (ISBN13: 9781409113997)

I found both books by accident, by simply scrolling through the available MP3 audiobooks from my local library.  Neither blurb mentioned cats, so my delight at finding them on almost every part of these stories was just remarkable.  

W. Bruce Cameron's, "A Dog's Way Home" highlights the trials that TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) activists face daily; ignorance and dislike.  Add a mother who suffers from PTSD after her service in the Middle East, and then mix in a stray dog who pushes everyone's lives onto new courses.  But then Bella runs afoul of Animal Control in Denver, Colorado, and the story grabs you and keeps you in suspense!  

"A Week In Winter" by Maeve Binchy, weaves an Irish story of love and regret, transgressions and redemption, youth and hard-won knowledge, wrapped around an old mansion that is converted into an inn.  And a wee kitten, named Sophia, loved by the elderly Queenie, moves through the mansion...and the lives of all of the characters in the book...while being a sweet, gentle cat.

Like me, you all adore cats, and probably really enjoy a good story too!  I highly recommend both of these books; they'll take you to places you've never been before, and into the minds and hearts of good people...and indifferent people, with a purring housecat, community cat clowder, or more (!) added into the mix.